Detective Chief Inspector Lesley Hamilton said: “It is important that we locate Mr Morley quickly and without further incident and I urge anyone who sees him not to hesitate but to call police without delay.”

Officers have established a crime scene, closed off roads, and stepped up patrols following the incident.

Clothing and a paramedic bag at the scene of the stabbing on Anglesea Road, Woolwich, south-east London (Picture: PA)

There have been no arrests.

A spokeswoman for London’s air ambulance said: “After treatment on scene the patient was transferred by air to a major trauma hospital in London.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Greenwich CID by calling 101 and quoting reference CAD1905 of September 10.